Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood of Des Moines, IA from $500 (46 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Fort Des Moines area of Des Moines.

property at 3726 SE 14th St

3726 SE 14th St

Des MoinesIA50320

Smart Renter's Guide: Calculating Affordable Rent & Housing Costs

Wondering how to determine your rental budget? This comprehensive guide covers everything from the 30% rule to hidden fees and effective budgeting strategies.

property at 3720 SE 14th St

3720 SE 14th St

Des MoinesIA50320
property at 3722 SE 14th St

3722 SE 14th St

Des MoinesIA50320
property at 3716 SE 14th St

3716 SE 14th St

Des MoinesIA50320
property at 3724 SE 14th St

3724 SE 14th St

Des MoinesIA50320
property at 3718 SE 14th St

3718 SE 14th St

Des MoinesIA50320

Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Entering the rental market? Learn these simple tips and strategies to avoid common pitfalls and make confident choices. Rent with peace of mind.

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Meredith Homes
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Meredith Homes

3716 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Cedar Crest Apartments
2 Bedroom Apartments

Cedar Crest Apartments

3722-3726 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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Libertad Des Moines
1 to 3 Bedroom Apartments

Libertad Des Moines

4421 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
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Know Your Rights - How Discrimination Laws Impact Landlords and Tenants

Read our practical guide to landlord and tenant rights. Understand protected classes, reasonable accommodations, and legal exceptions to prevent housing discrimination.

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The Quarters on 9th
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments

The Quarters on 9th

5209 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Watrous
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Watrous

1300 E Watrous AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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920 Meadow Ln
2 Bedroom Apartments

920 Meadow Ln

920 Meadow LnDes Moines, IA 50315
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Casady Apartments
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Casady Apartments

1910-1914 Casady DrDes Moines, IA 50315
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Community Homes
3 Bedroom Apartments

Community Homes

5301 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Bell Terrace
1 Bedroom Apartments

Bell Terrace

2701 SW 23rd StDes Moines, IA 50321
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Goldbriar Chateau
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Goldbriar Chateau

5555 SW 9th StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Melbourne IV 55+ Living
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Melbourne IV 55+ Living

5514 SE 14th StDes Moines, IA 50320
Senior Living
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Southridge Senior Lofts
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Southridge Senior Lofts

695 E Army Post RdDes Moines, IA 50315
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BNL Investments
2 Bedroom Apartments

BNL Investments

5201 S Union StDes Moines, IA 50315
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Shelly Rose Estates
1 Bedroom Apartments

Shelly Rose Estates

3721 Indianola AveDes Moines, IA 50320
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Kenwood II
2 Bedroom Apartments

Kenwood II

211 E McKinley AveDes Moines, IA 50315
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Iowa Stanton LLC
1 to 2 Bedroom Apartments

Iowa Stanton LLC

2200 Stanton AveDes Moines, IA 50321
  • Utilities Included

Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, IA Local Guide

Cheapest Available Fort Des Moines Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Fort Des Moines area of Des Moines, IA is a 2 Beds unit found at Sutton Hill priced from $583. Melbourne has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $627. Here are the most affordable Fort Des Moines apartments for rent in Des Moines, IA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Sutton HillB22BR,1BA$583
MelbourneA2 - 40 - Income Restricted1BR,1BA$627
The Pointe on Fleur1x11BR,1BA$685
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$695
SomersetB32BR,1BA$707
1201 E Bell AvenueOne Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee*1BR,1BA$715
Valley Acres Apartments1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$725
Wakonda Village and Manor Apartment HomesS1PwvStudio,1BA$735
The Hampton MeadowsA1 - Renovated1BR,1BA$740
Goldbriar Chateau1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom1BR,1BA$750

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Fort Des Moines, IA

As of May 12, 2025 the best value apartment in the Fort Des Moines area is the $0.91 price per square foot 3 Bedroom Model at The Meadows in the in the Somerset neighborhood starting from $950. The second greatest value Fort Des Moines apartment is the 2 Bedroom Model at Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes starting at $850 with a $0.89 price per square foot in the Southwest Des Moines neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Fort Des Moines apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Meadows3 Bedroom3BR,2BA$0.91
Magnolia Manor Apartments and Townhomes2 Bedroom2BR,1BA$0.89
SomersetB42BR,2BA$1.07
McKinley Apartments2BD/1.5BA2BR,2BA$0.99
Southern Park Apartments2BR/1.0BA2BR,1BA$0.96
Sutton HillB12BR,1BA$1.03
Park Ridge Apartments1 Bedroom1BR,1BA$1.11
The Pointe on Fleur1x11BR,1BA$1.01
1201 E Bell AvenueOne Bedroom Southside of Des Moines *No App Fee*1BR,1BA$1.08
Park Forest1x1 6301BR,1BA$1.10

Quick Rent Budget Calculator

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Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in metropolitan areas across the United States including Fort Des Moines, Des Moines, and the greater Des Moines area. LifeStyle Ratings are the best way to sort through finding a place to live - beyond price and floorplan. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and the best proximity to parks and outdoor amenities, kid and pet-friendly communities, availability of transit options, in addition to floorplans, availablity, and pricing. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.

Getting Around the Fort Des Moines Neighborhood in Des Moines, IA

Walk Score®

50 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Some errands can be accomplished on foot

Bike Score®

41 / 100

Somewhat Bikeable

Minimal bike infrastructure

Transit Score®

31 / 100

Some Transit

A few nearby public transportation options

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Fort Des Moines Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Fort Des Moines?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Fort Des Moines is under $750.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Fort Des Moines?

The cheapest apartment in Fort Des Moines is Melbourne which is listed at $627, while the average apartment in Fort Des Moines costs $1,285.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Fort Des Moines?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 43 regular apartments in Fort Des Moines that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Fort Des Moines?

Cheap apartments in Fort Des Moines have an average cost of $226 which is $1,059 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Fort Des Moines.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

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Know Your Budget: Calculating What You Can Realistically Afford When Renting

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting an apartment or house isn’t just about looking through online ads, choosing a few apartments or homes you want to tour, filling out an application, and putting down a deposit. Those things are all necessary and important.

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The Freedom of Short-Term Leases: Exploring the Advantages for Renters

Written by: Bobbi Jackson

If you’re looking to relocate right now, a popular solution that may best fit your current rental needs is a short-term lease.

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Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for First-Time Renters

Written by: Sandy Baker

Making the decision to rent is exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many people, there are a lot of unknowns.

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Rise of Digital Nomads: Remote Work Tips for Apartment Renters

Written by: Brandie Parton

As a digital nomad, you no longer call a set address or office building your home for eight hours of the day or more.